Past glories

Former silk farm: The Drive, Leatherhead

Searching for your perfect home? Catherine Whyte discovers there are some diverse and unusual gems on the market at the moment

The nice thing about writing this property page is discovering fascinating titbits of history. The Drive, Leatherhead is a case

in point. Back in 1932, this ample home belonged to Lady Hart Dyke who developed an unusual passion for farming silk worms. Some four years later she uprooted to Kent where her busy little silk worms produced the silk for numerous royal occasions, Princess Diana’s wedding veil being one.

All that remains of Lady Hart Dyke’s nascent industry is a sole white mulberry tree, that sits amongst the extensive grounds that include an outdoor swimming pool and tennis court – but what a great talking point for the buyer of this lovely home.

The house itself has three large airy reception rooms (one has a gorgeous bay window with seats) and six bedrooms. Right at the top of the house is a large converted loft room (31ft), which would be perfect as an office or a den for the kids.

n The Drive, Leatherhead, £1,675,000, Cairds, Ashtead: (01372) 221678

The Morecambe and Wise sketch with Andrew Preview

(aka Andre Previn) has become one of the most iconic scenes in British television history. Naturally, the world-famous pianist, conductor and composer has many more strings to his bow than that, with four Academy Awards and ten Grammys under his baton. Now prospective home owners can buy into this slice of cultural history because his former home, Willow Lodge in Leigh, is up for sale.

The pretty 17th century thatched three bay barn has a modern extension to the rear. At the moment, there are two main bedrooms in the house, with a third bedroom or study,

but the attractive detached garage has space for conversion – subject to the usual consents.

The other two homes on this page may be imbued with rich pasts, but the two new luxury designer houses at

Paddock View in Kingswood have a glittering future in

front of them. Having launched mid-May Goodfellows Estate Agents are in charge of marketing the two properties, which will have five bedrooms, two with en-suite bathrooms.

Each of the reception rooms (kitchen/breakfast room, drawing room and family/dining room) will measure around 27ft. The high specifications include Nolte Kitchens, solid oak staircases, bi-folding doors out onto the garden and good-sized driveways with space for multiple cars.

Both of the houses have views across the paddocks at Waterhouse Lane - hence the name!